EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State crew's varsity 8 boat continued to make its case for an NCAA Championships berth, which will be announced Tuesday, with a bronze-medal performance in the Central Championships this afternoon in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Three Spartan boats, the varsity 8 (bronze), the first novice 8 (bronze) and the second novice 8 (silver), medaled as Michigan State finished with the fourth-best team point total in pursuit of the Lexus Cup. The Spartans' 43 points trailed team champion Virginia (62), Ohio State (56.5) and Michigan (54).

In the varsity 8 race, Michigan State had the second-fastest qualifying time behind Virginia, but Michigan upset the Cavaliers in the finals. The Wolverines finished in 5:56.60, with Virginia (5:59.71) and Michigan State (6:03.32) trailing.

The Spartans now await a potential bid to the NCAA Championships to be announced Tuesday, May 19.